A new art exhibition opens in the Waterfront Gallery, The Quay, Westport this Friday, May 7, at 7pm. ‘Waterglasses’ is a collection of enchanting new work by Niamh Moran.
Niamh Moran produces her imagery by combining printmaking with painting. In the body of work selected for ‘Waterglasses’, she uses drypoint and collograph techniques before applying acrylic paint.
The process brings to life characters and scenes full of spatial and atmospheric intrigue. Despite drawing on the strength of a highly developed artistic practice, the fun-loving nature innate to creativity is ever present.
“In my work I play with the notion of dreams and reality, blurring the boundaries. My characters can float and fly through their environments, and this forms a narrative in my work,” Moran explains.
The works on show in ‘Waterglasses’ are predominantly concerned with the subject of swimming. , Moran’s passion for swimming and the lived experience of pool-life is evident in the work, which evokes a unique vision of layered activity and emotions.
Commenting on the collection, Aisling Smyth, director of the Waterfront Gallery, said: “A lot of the work has an under-water feel, as if influenced by what is seen through goggles, or should I say, Waterglasses.
“Niamh’s work is full of the joy of making art. The energy in its creation translates to the finished pieces. We welcome everyone to come to see the work. The uplifting colour and rich line is bound to bring smiles to faces.”
Born in Dublin, Niamh Moran now resides and works in Naas, Co Kildare. Her work has been selected for many prestigious exhibitions, including the RHA annual open submission (on four occasions), as well as the Eigse Carlow Open, where she was an invited artist in 2003. Moran has exhibited widely throughout the country in many group exhibitions as well as in solo shows. Her work is much sought after by collectors and has been purchased in Adams Auctioneer’s Contemporary Irish Art Auction.
“My work is about me and has been mostly inspired by my own childhood experiences. I was the little girl who wanted to be the prima ballerina and later I was the girl who wanted to be the greatest swimmer. I never got far in either but discovered many links between the two and I explore this through art,” Moran explains on her page on www.originalprint.ie.
“For me simplicity and spontaneity are so important and go hand in hand. I love to explore colour and line and hope that the combination of the figurative and the abstract make my compositions appealing.” Anyone who views her work would find it hard to say she has not achieved her aim.
‘Waterglasses’ runs until May 28.
